What is COVID Antibody IgG Test? 5 Important Things to Know

COVID Antibody IgG test is a blood test that helps detect IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies in your body. These antibodies are usually formed as a response to exposure to SARS-CoV-2. IgG or Immunoglobulin G is a type of antibody that represents nearly 75% of the serum antibodies your body produces. It is one of the most common types of antibodies found in your blood. The lab test measuring COVID Antibody IgG helps detect antibodies that are specific to the nucleocapsid protein. This is a protein of coronavirus that causes COVID-19 infection.

Read on to know more about COVID Antibody IgG test.

How does the COVID Antibody IgG test work? 

A healthcare professional collects a sample of your blood to evaluate the COVID Antibody IgG in it. The process of is usually pain-free and all you may feel is a prick. In some cases, people may experience certain side-effects. After the healthcare professional collects your sample, it is sent for evaluation. The test looks for the presence of IgG antibodies in your blood. Usually, antibodies develop in around 14 days from the day of infection. However, the timeline of how long these antibodies last varies from one person to another.

How is the test for COVID Antibody IgG different from a coronavirus test? 

The main difference between COVID Antibody IgG test and a coronavirus test is that one helps detect antibodies while the other helps diagnose COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19 test looks for signs of an active virus. It is also done as a swab test and is comparatively quick and simple. But it can only detect the virus if it is present at time of testing. It can help your doctor know if you were previously infected or if you still have the virus.

Why and when is COVID Antibody IgG test performed? 

As mentioned above, the test helps detect the presence of antibodies in your blood. You doctor may advise you to get this test if: 

• You showed signs of COVID-19 but did not get tested 
• You are planning a medical procedure that will take place either in a hospital or a clinic 
• You had COVID-19 infection and currently want to donate your plasma

Since antibodies develop in around 2 weeks post infection, your doctor may order a COVID Antibody IgG test accordingly. Doctors can advise this test to both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Apart from the above, this test can also help researchers study the after-effects of a COVID-19 infection.

Who should take the test for COVID Antibody IgG? 

Typically, doctors suggest this test only if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or were exposed to someone who has a COVID-19 infection. Apart from that, make sure to get tested for COVID Antibody IgG in the following situations: 

• If you are a healthcare worker
• If you are immunocompromised 
• If you live in or have been to a containment zone 
• If you work in essential services

What is the COVID Antibody IgG value range? What do they mean? 

Generally, COVID Antibody IgG value range is either positive or negative. If your results are positive, it means that you have antibodies for COVID-19 infection. This also indicates that you have had COVID-19 infection in recent times. Since the COVID-19 infection can also be asymptomatic, you may test positive even if you did show any signs. Apart from this, a positive result for this test could also come from the effect of vaccination.

Typically, a negative rest for this test indicates that you did not have COVID-19 infection. However, it can also be a false negative if you got the test before your body could produce antibodies. Apart from that, the quantity of antibodies in your body could also be too low for a positive result.

Keep in mind that COVID Antibody IgG test cannot interpret the following [1]: 

• Whether you have COVID-19 infection 
• Whether you have immunity against COVID-19 
• Whether you need COVID-19 vaccine 
• Efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine

Note that among the different tests to measure COVID Antibody IgG, price may vary depending on the healthcare service provider. Apart from the price, the lab test results may also differ for various reasons including different designs of the tests. For maximum convenience, you can book a COVID Antibody IgG lab test on Bajaj Finserv Health.

Along with sample pick-up from home, you can also get an analysis from the top doctors. Expect to get the digital results for the COVID Antibody IgG test within 24-48 hours. In some cases, doctors may also recommend a cardiac profile test to ensure that COVID has not affected your heart functions. To further protect your health, you can opt for the Complete Health Solution plan under Aarogya Care, and enjoy benefits like pre- and post-hospitalization coverage, network discounts, preventive healthcare and more. With all these ways to guard your health, it is easier to lead a healthier and stress-free life.